Mitchell's statement read: "On behalf of AFC Bournemouth, I would like to inform the supporters and media that as of this morning, we have parted company with Paul Groves as manager and Shaun Brooks as assistant manager.

"I would urge our supporters to recognise the time and effort that Paul and Shaun invested in the first team and their unwavering determination to produce an attractive brand of football.

"As chairman of AFC Bournemouth, I personally recognised the direction in which they were trying to take the team in terms of tactics and style of play, and throughout their time in charge they have had my full support.

"However, I believe that luck has not been on their side during their short period at the helm. As we know, football is a results business, but most people will be unaware of the hard work and dedication that they put in behind the scenes to help this club move forward.

"Both Paul Groves and Shaun Brooks have asked me to express their thanks to the support that they have received from the fans. We wish them well in the future and who knows where that will take them?"